Solving Algebraic Equations
To solve algebraic equations, we must combine like terms and perform inverse operations on both sides of the equal sign to isolate the variable.
- The inverse operation of addition is subtraction, and vice versa.
- The inverse operation of multiplication is division, and vice versa.
Inverse operations help us cancel values out.
Solving the Question
![- 4 a - 2 a = - 18](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/h0y3hu5m0e0pi2xavcuddnjf013s9fa4s6.png)
⇒ First, combine like terms:
![- 6a = - 18](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/5h4q13var1u1sb3ae4y5ppuxweoij2r93e.png)
⇒ a is being multiplied by -6. To isolate a, divide both sides by -6:
![(- 6a)/(-6) = (- 18)/(-6)\\\\a=3](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/w9tidlcrgnk0jpft14hhfa9joavm4rkpxi.png)
Answer
a = 3